Ecuador President Noboa’s Convoy Attacked, 5 Arrested for Alleged Assassination Attempt
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on Tuesday when protesters in Canar province attacked his convoy. The incident took place as the president was travelling to announce a series of infrastructure projects.
According to Energy Minister Ines Manzano, around 500 people surrounded Noboa’s
car, throwing rocks and shouting as the convoy passed. Later, officials found what appeared to be bullet marks on the
president’s vehicle.
Noboa was not injured in the attack
A video released by the presidential office showed crowds on both sides of the road hurling rocks at the motorcade, which
cracked windows.
Soon after the attack, Ecuador’s Defence Minister Gian Carlo Lofferdo sent out a strong message that
“nothing can stop this President.
” He also posted a picture of the 37-year-old president and wrote on X, “Nothing stops this
president, which is the best sign that the country won’t be stopped either”.
Authorities have arrested five people in connection with the attack, saying they will be charged with terrorism and attempted
murder. “Shooting at the president’s car, throwing stones, damaging state property, that’s just criminal,” Manzano said, adding
that the government had filed a formal report of an assassination attempt.
This is not the first such incident. In September,
about 350 people attacked a convoy carrying Noboa, UN delegates, and EU members, Italian diplomats in Imbabura province.
After that incident, Noboa wrote on X, “They resist Ecuador’s progress and choose violence.
The violence comes amid weeks of nationwide
protests sparked by the government’s plan to end a diesel subsidy.
The decision aims to cut public spending, stop fuel
smuggling, and redirect funds to social programs.
Ecuador’s main Indigenous organisation, CONAIE, has accused the government of using excessive force against peaceful
demonstrators.
After five arrests, CONAIE claimed on social media that the people arrested were protesters and that they were
attacked during a “brutal police and military action.
Noboa’s government has argued that criminal and “terrorist” groups have
joined the protests to create chaos.
Over the weekend, the administration declared a state of emergency in ten provinces
affected by unrest, though peaceful demonstrations are still allowed.
